LINE UP 2018

Some old favourites - and plenty of brand new acts for 2018BANDS in alphabetical orderInformation on this page is subject to changes beyond our control

ADENLAND is a three-piece blues-rock band formed in 2009. Our influences include: Queen, Guns N’ Roses, Thin Lizzy, Jimi Hendrix Experience, ZZ Top, Status Quo, Focus, Chuck Berry and others. Our original material has a unique style that also blends our many influences. We released our debut album, The Getaway Driver, in September 2017. Fronted by the amazing Aden Gerrens, one of the finest guitarists you are likely to see, with a powerful back line provided by Daniel Coyle and Barry Gerrens. See www.adenland.me​

AFTER HOURS : After Hours have been 'Rocking the Blues' for the past 25 years and have gained a formidable following in the Norfolk area over time. Steve Tansley's and Dave Crane's 'smokin' guitar playing is complemented by Josh Simpson on Bass and David "Nobby" Sparrow on drums. Over the years After Hours have shared the bill with some of the greats such as Barclay James Harvest, Focus, Art Wood (Ronnie's brother), Toyah Wilcox, Suzy Quatro, Dr Feelgood and many many more..... After Hours have been referred to as ' Road Dogs' because they've been around for so long! ...So, If you want to hear some of the best Blues Rock in East Anglia , these boys deliver it in spades https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLmt6aiPD1w

AGAINST THE GRAIN: Against the Grain is a rock blues band comprised of three highly experienced musicians and one long-suffering sound man. Playing Hendrix, Peter Green, Rory Gallagher and more the band have been together for over 15 years, ATG’s performances are inventive, energetic and some say eccentric with no song being played the same way twice! A firm favourite on the Norfolk blues scene the band packed out both their festival venues last year and folk are still talking about it. ​http://www.atg-norfolk-blues-band.co.uk/

ALBERT COOPER AND THE BLUES AND BOOGIE BAND: formed in 1972 in Norwich, the band is still performing with the same ethic of providing individual sounds and re-workings of folk-rock and blues crossovers. All the songs were then given a coat of the unique boogie band wash (does exactly what it says on the tin) creating a genre of R&B that made the group’s sound distinctly original despite the eclectic mix of covers. Albert is now in his 85th year and feels his current band are the best in the business and I have it on good authority that he has no intention of giving up the group or the blues. www.thelegendaryalbertcooper.com

AUTOMATIC ANNIE: If you like hoodoo harmonica and electric blues, Automatic Annie is the blues band for you. Their combined musical experience is a genuine vintage number. Automatic Annie ride the Jazz and Blues train. You can expect to hear wonderful old songs that make your pulse race and get your Mississippi feet moving. Enjoy the ride with Automatic Annie and their electric blues machine. All Aboard! ​https://www.autoannie.co.uk/epk-1

THE BAD DAY BLUES BAND Enjoying their reputation as the bad guys of the blues scene, they are known as ferocious live performers and showmen, dedicated to giving audiences an experience they’ll never forget. Pushing boundaries and merging genres from blues to rock to country and soul, smelting them into a unique style that can only be BDBB. Established in 2016, Bad Day have already won over some very notable friends, endorsing international companies such as Ernie Ball (UK), Gamma (US), Blackstar (UK), Laney (UK), and Seydel (GER). You’ll be hard pushed to find a band with this set up; singing bass player, virtuoso harmonica player, infamously talented drummer and the coolest guitarist ever to put a strap on. www.baddaybluesband.com

BELL AYRE are a five piece band playing blues, americana, rock and roll and latin. We have three vocalists within the band to give a wide variety of vocal styles and harmonies. The band include numbers by Santana, Joe Cocker, Louis Jordan, Ray Charles, Tinsley Ellis, BB King, Otis Rush, Devon Allman, Muddy Waters, Spencer Davis, Eric Clapton and other such artistes. We like to give our audiences a wide array of styles and tempos. You never know what we will do next: well worth a look. Check out the groove here.

BLUES BUSINESS: "Blues Business has a fine no-nonsense approach to the Blues!” Bluesnews Magazine - September 2016. The set is great to dance to, with much of the material coming from the Chicago songbook, perfect for fans of BB King, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and The Rolling Stones. Blues in Britain described the band as ‘just the blues pure & simple hits the spot’. The band comprises: Roger ‘Wildman’ Fuller – blues harp and vocals, ‘Mr 110%’ - Mark Roberts on drums, ‘BB’ Bruce Fryer – guitar and vocals and Alan Burris on bass. See them at http://www.blues-business.co.uk/

BLUES JAMM PROJECT: Influenced by soul, blues, classic rock and funk, the Blues Jamm Project play a blend of haunting melodies and hard hitting riffs backed by a solid beat that keeps the energy high and the crowds coming back. The raw, driven guitar of the band’s founder Jorge Martins has won international plaudits, while the diverse experience of the rhythm section of ‘Banger’ Nicks and Robin Churchill provide a tight and sophisticated foundation to allow the voice of Fiona Sweeney to bring a husky but powerful focus to their wholly original songs. See www.bluesjammproject.com

​BLUES SITUATION: Blues Situation love the blues, love the grooves and love to entertain with authentic, raw R&B from the East Anglian Delta, played with feeling,energy and humour. Blues Situation cuts across a host of blues styles with strong songwriting, sharp lyrics, exciting guitar work, gritty Chicago style harmonica and a rhythm section that really grooves. Two albums have been released in the past 6 years (Wonderful World and Sweet Like This). The third is on its way this year. The band has played at venues, festivals and Boogaloo weekenders large and small UK wide as well as BBC and Internet radio. More information: www.bluessituation.co.uk

BLUES TUBES: Currently a 3 piece band playing the jump side of the blues with influences of Robben Ford, Stevie Ray, Hollywood Fats etc. The band has been in existence for 20 years performing at festivals in East Anglia and elsewhere. See www.youtube.com/watch?v=G09Zc2zam8Q

BO-NIDLE have been a very successful Norfolk blues rock band for many years and, after a long break, they have decided to get back on the road again. Bo-nidle play exciting rock blues, songs with great harmonica and guitar, driven by the best rhythm section around. Band members are Gary (Gizmo) Platten, lead guitar, Shane Randal on drums, Dave Pentney Smith, vocals & harmonica and Harry Collins on bass. See www.facebook.com/Bonidlerockblues/

BORN HEALER has been described as “heavy blues with a groove”. Three - quarters of this bunch were BBA nominated Bare Bones Boogie Band whose last album was one of Classic Rock:Blues magazine’s top albums of the year and whose gigs were attended by none other than Robert Plant and Jimmy Page! Born Healer delivers “stunning, blistering blues-laced soul” according to Blues in Britain. Bass player Marek Funkas brings his own inimitable groove, while ex-BBBB guitarist-songwriter Iain Black and drummer Andy Jones are reaching new levels instrumentally. Helen Turner’s vocals remain, as always, “the real deal” and “in a different class”, according to Classic Rock:Blues magazine. The band’s 2016 debut album ‘Til the Dawn’, sets out their own interpretation of the blues in the studio from heavy groove to hard rock, to heart-bursting soulful ballads. Their new 2018 single, ‘Forgot to Forget’ continues the party with a dancy groovy vibe.www.bornhealer.com

CHERRY WHITE: Cherry White bring fresh flavours to the classic sounds of blues-rock, weaving an elegant musical backdrop to tales of anger, greed and obsession. With a slew of high-profile gigs under their belt, including White Trash in Berlin, the 100 Club in London and the Planet Rock Rockstock festival, Cherry White stride confidently into 2018 with an audacious new concept album in the making. http://www.cherrywhitemusic.com/

CHRIS KING ROBINSON: It was inevitable, after spending his formative years listening to guitar legends such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix & Buddy Guy, that Chris King Robinson would pick up a Fender Stratocaster and learn the craft for himself. Fast forward through his progress - from those first notes played by 9 year old Chris in 2003, through 1000’s of practice hours and relentless gigging. Public demand for live performances led Chris to form his own band comprising Chris King Robinson - guitar and vocals, Tom Relihan on drums and Nig Turner on bass​​. The band were invited to headline The Suwalki Blues Festival in Poland and played the highly exclusive Lead Belly Festival - held at the world renowned Carnegie Hall in New York City. www.chriskingrobinson.com

COLD SWEAT Back to Dereham Blues Festival for a second time, with even more attitude and emotion. Andy Clouting (lead/Rhythm Guitar) is a seasoned Musician, his skilful playing has a noticeably wide variety of influences with an obvious respect to them all. The four-piece band has Trevor Andrews (bass/vocals), Stan Clouting (drums), and Simon Lovick (vocals) they play classic blues and boogie and a sprinkling of their own. Between them their Influences include Albert, BB and Freddie King, Peter Green, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, Free and Elvis. ‘Cold Sweat’ have played for years on the local live circuit of clubs, pubs and beer festivals and Simon can often be seen guest singing with many blues bands around Norfolk and Suffolk. See ​https://coldsweatbluesband.wordpress.com/

CONNOR SELBY BAND: The band played to a packed audience at the 2017 Dereham Blues Festival. Since then they have been recording their debut album and making a name for themselves on the live circuit, supporting people such as Henrik Freischlader at the Borderline in London. Connor Selby takes inspiration from British players of the 1960s including Eric Clapton, John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers and Cream. They are Connor Selby - guitar and vocals, Andy Corby - bass, Rob Shearer - drums, Jon Getty - rhythm guitar. See www.connorselby.com

CRUISER BLUES BAND: The Cruiser Blues Band is one of Norfolk’s top blues bands delivering classic blues standards, R&B, and some strong original work. Early this year the line-up changed with Simon Lovick coming in on vocals with Barrie Stones on guitar, Eric Perkins on bass, Dave Armstrong on drums and John Vasco on lead guitar and vocals. The band has been in existence since mid-2012 and the repertoire ranges from late 1920s blues to more modern blues artists like BB King. You can see them here: www.cruiserbluesband.co.uk

DC WILSON BAND: A six piece outfit comprising keyboards ,drums, bass, guitar, percussion and vocals give the band a strong presence on stage. Their music is rooted in blues with a smattering of funk and latin. The band formed from members of the Norfolk Blues Society and has played the Dereham Blues Festival and many other venues in Norfolk and Suffolk for the past 4 years. This is blues played with soul - we play for the audience not for ourselves! Line-up is Paul Borley, Peter Thompson, Nick Stevenson, Simon Sales, Henry Gee and Dominic (the hat) Coleman. http://dcwilsonband.blogspot.co.uk/

DON'T LOSE HEART are Louisa Sadler and Dickie Hartt who will be hosting Lou’s Juke Joint at the Metro on Saturday. They have played the last four Dereham Blues Festivals and also regularly play pubs in and around Norwich and Norfolk. For the Dereham Blues Festival, they will tailor their sets to play a bluesy mix of Lou’s heartfelt originals and covers from the roots ‘n’ shoots of the blues. www.facebook.com/dontloseheartnorfolkuk/

ED & LAURA: From 2008 Ed & Laura have been providing quality entertainment to local pubs, clubs etc in a duo format using Laura’s excellent vocal abilities and Ed’s accomplished & versatile guitar styles. Over the years their musical path has broadened to include a repertoire of jazz & blues songs which they perform regularly to high acclaim in several NW Norfolk jazz venues. Numbers we cover include: Why don’t You Do Right, I Just Wanna Make Love to You, Too Darn Hot, At Last, Summertime, Thelonius Monk’s Well You Needn’t etc and maybe a mandolin blues number. www.facebook.com/Ed-Laura-842318985786433/

EGYPT Egypt is a UK blues rock three piece band formed in 1987 by: Eric Chipulina - guitar and vocals, Alan Fish - bass and vocals, Peter Correa on drums. All three are former members of legendary progressive blues outfit The Groundhogs, and have featured on several albums and toured throughout the UK and Europe over many years. Alan's credentials also include playing with members of Welsh heavy rock pioneers Budgie in the band Tredegar, two albums for ex-Bo Diddley harp player Billy Boy Arnold, and a European tour for Chuck Berry among other things. See http://www.egypt-blues.co.uk/bandinfo.html

FOURPLAY are the UK’s hottest three man quartet and stalwarts of the local music scene, with over 1200 gigs in the last 24 years. They are at the rockier end of the blues, blending stunning slide guitar work with raunchy vocals taking you from George Thorogood to Johnny Winter and beyond. Steve Ayers plays the guitar like he means it, bass is covered admirably by Nick Potts, while Lucio takes care of the drums and percussion. Their set is raw and tight: improvisation is where this band shines. Don’t miss them! https://www.facebook.com/Fourplay-118186771575299/

GIN CITY are a Norwich based band made up of five members - Simon Whitney, BobFielder, Dickie Pearce, Keith Froude and Carol Nicholls: keyboard, guitar and harmonica,bass, drums and lead singer. We have our roots in blues and swing - are driven bythe keys and harmonica. We play music from as far back as the 1920’s through to morecontemporary pieces to which we put our own twist. We love the music we play and thisis appreciated by our audiences - we will have feet tapping and people dancing.

GOLDRUSHA: Laid back blues with a twist and some original songs from a 5 piece - thewebsite says Goldrusha deliver blues classics alongside original material in an innovativestyle, combining soulful vocals and old-school finger-picked guitar with flourishes of rock and electronica. Singers Jade Grand and Mike Flower together with bassist /pianist Dan Earp, Notes from the bands multi-instrumentalist Ben Glover and Alex Findlow on drums bring you a range of upbeat blues and popular songs to get people up on their feet and dancing. See http://www.goldrusha.co.uk/

THE HARPOON BLUES BAND: We loved playing the blues festival last year! All out,full-on, raw energy blues with a world champion harmonica player, Paul Gillings. Thisis a unique take on the blues providing a non-stop powerhouse of sound. We neverdisappoint. This is a very tight band with more than 20 years of festivals under our belts.Played for the BBC One Show as well as BBC Radio. A love of the genre shines throughwith every note.​ www.facebook.com/theharpoonbluesband

HOW ASKEW has a modern blues sound, blending visceral electric guitar, shimmering acoustic and powerful, soulful vocals. With Richy Clarke on bass and Phil Muriel on drums, backing vocals and blues harp, they play original music that stands out - festival audiences really enjoy that and respond to it. How (as in Howard) has been writing blues and roots inspired songs and instrumentals for over 25 years. This is not your usual blues outfit but the spirit of the blues runs right through the music.​www.facebook.com/howaskewmusic/

JOE GOES GREEN ​are John Green and Stefan “Joe Langford” Wasyliw. The Norfolk acoustic rock, pop and blues duo have hit the studio and recorded an album of originals. Stefan on guitar is a renowned guitarist in the region. Influences of Hendrix, SRV and Gary Moore. ​https://www.facebook.com/joegoesgreen/

MARK HARRISON: Mark Harrison’s highly individual, all-original music has been going down very well with audiences of all kinds and has taken him to some of the top venues and festivals in the UK, attracting acclaim wherever he goes. Mark has taken the style of the early blues and folk/blues innovators and given it totally modern relevance. His songs all have something to say or a story to tell. With their memorable tunes, striking lyrics and strong rhythms, they make people think, smile and move. He is doing something genuinely fresh and different, tapping into the timeless quality of ‘old’ music to produce something brand new and totally relevant to the present day.​​www.markharrisonrootsmusic.com/

MOGO: Mogo is a band of four widely-experienced, gifted players, serving up soulful and infectious blues sounds. The band’s material embraces songs from a wide spectrum of bluesmen, from traditional legends like Robert Johnson and BB King, through to modern favourites Eric Clapton, Robben Ford and Gary Moore. Mogo play no-nonsense blues music. Check it out on youtube - and at the Dereham Blues Festival 2018!www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5lQYovDjus

THE MOJO TRIO: Emotive and authentic progressive blues with a heartfelt stage presence to match. The Mojo Trio (aka Mojo Preachers) are a well-seasoned, experienced and talented band of creatives who specialise in conjuring a melodiously intricate and original sound that while rooted in the blues has its mixing spoons in many pots.​ ​https://www.mojopreachers.com/

METRO HOUSE BAND A seasoned bunch of musicians led by Max Ayre on guitar and vocals, they are a product of Norfolk Blues Society’s monthly blues jams. MHB will be hosting an open blues jam on the Thursday evening, with the back line etc provided, so just bring your instrument of choice and join in!​

MULE: Mule was formed in 2013 by three experienced musicians who share a passion for blues that is refined and just that little different. Our repertoire has been truly ‘mulified’ into our own powerful style that moves, lifts and energises crowds. Blues with a kick! Harry is frontman with vocals and guitar, with Paul on drums and René on bass.​ ​http://www.mulepowertrio.co.uk/

PAUL TINKLER'S PART TIME BLUES BAND Consummate blues man with rich vocals oozing with character and guitar skills to match. Paul has toured Germany and appeared regularly on the London blues circuit playing with such names as ChrisBarber and The Kinks bass player Jim Rodford. He has also been the front man for John Slaughter’s Blues Band and the CC Blues Band. Paul’s professionalism and expertise are revered by top Norfolk blues artists. He supported the Festival’s Mud Morganfield concert in 2015 as guest front man of the Shunters Blues Band and often hosts Norfolk Blues Society Jam specials.www.tinksblues.co.uk

ROBIN BIBI: Award winning guitarist/ singer/ songwriter Robin Bibi has been playing his special brand of blues and rock up and down the UK, Europe, Ireland, Scandinavia & the USA for 20 years and has recently signed to Norwich based label Ashwood Records. The band have a reputation of being one of the most entertaining and hard working acts currently in the UK blues scene! The latest album ‘No More A Secret’ received widespread critical acclaim, national airplay and peaked at number 2 in the IBBA playlist. The tried and tested power trio format is always passionate, dynamic, funky and entertaining! The band are really looking forward to rocking the Dereham Blues Festival!​ http://www.robinbibiband.co.uk/

ROUGH AND READY: playing mostly original material: very song-led, acoustic based but powerful with strong male and female vocals and one guitar, but different from any other duo you’ll hear. This is quality stuff and no Peters and Lee in sight!Songs are varied and most are blues based, drawing from a variety of influences from Bessie to Bonamassa and all points in between with a nod and a wink to Zeppelin and Rory along the way.​ ​http://www.roymette.co.uk/

RYK MEAD AND THE LONDON BLUES MACHINE : ‘A stunning power blues trio, original in so many ways!’ Ryk Mead is a singer/guitarist, songwriter and musical director, the heart and soul of the band. A confirmed guitar virtuoso, he started gigging in the late 60s and has built a reputation on solid experience gained alongside some world-famous names, such as: Dave Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Annie Lennox, Alison Moyet, The Pretty Things, Steve Waller (Manfred Man’s Earth Band), Paul Fox and Dave Ruffy (The Ruts), Elmer Gantry (Stretch / Alan Parsons Project) Beverley Martyn and more. www.thelondonbluesmachine.co.uk

SALTSHAKER have been playing acoustic blues at pubs, parties and festivals around east Anglia since 2006. With Adrian Day on vocals and harmonica and Andy Heasman on guitar and vocals the set has a mix of well known blues songs, some less so, and Andy's own original songs. Sadly we don't have a heap of live videos: the website has two, one of the duo and one solo from Adrian. We hope to be playing live in the foyer at the Dereham Memorial Hall for the opening concert on 12th July. See ​http://saltshaker-blues.co.uk

SNAKE DANCE: DBF promotional band is a trio playingmainly acoustic folk, delta and contemporary blues from the 1920s to the present day. We have busked at the Dereham Blues Festival for the last couple of years and we look forward to joining the festivities again this year. Members of the band also perform individually and with other bands around Norfolk. Snake Dance can be booked for public gigs and private events. Please contact bookings@obrien7.plus.com.”Snake Dance has kindly agreed to perform at most of the festival promotional events see here for times and details

STONE PONY: With a Chicago tinged blues first set (3-piece) and a second funkier set (4-piece) Stone Pony are firm local favorites and a bit of a family affair. Andy Graham - guitar / vocals is Joined by his two sons, Luke (guitar) and Jake (drums) With Alex Whyman (bass) -the band has one of the tightest rhythm sections around!. Andy has played with Louisiana Red, Carey Bell and Phil Guy among others. ​http://www.stoneponymusic.co.uk

TANYA PICHE BLUES BAND performs the most original and authentic-sounding blues you are likely to hear from a UK band. This band has enraptured their audiences, with their hard hitting and intense style, Tanya’s belting, powerful blues voice and stage presence with a theatrical twist are very unique and, to a live audience, hugely entertaining. Expect a high energy sound and a stunning performance which often induces dancing! The response on the local music/blues scene to date has been incredibly positive attracting a growing fan base. Tanya has acquired the nickname ‘Howlin Wolf Woman’. ​http://www.tanyapichebluesband.co.uk/

THE RHYTHM TRAVELLERS are led by husband and wife duo, Julie and Bob Bones (aka the Baronness and the Bear). They play a diverse mix of old time blues, jazz and americana influenced by the early blues classics of people like Ma Rainey and Lil Green, mixed with the eclectic sounds of Tom Waits and Madeleine Peyroux and modern performers like Tommy Hare, Beth Scalet and Lewis Cohen plus a number of their own compositions.www.youtube.com/watch?v=iaTiDEJjEQc

THREE CORNERED WHEEL is a three piece blues band like no other. The melodicapproach of Simon Whitney’s harp, guitar and vocals is perfectly complemented by solidgrooves laid down by seasoned professional Geoff Cooper on drums and the uniquestyle of virtuoso Martin York on bass. With a fresh approach to classic blues plus strongoriginals and more, this is definitely a band you must see (and hear)!​ www.simonwhitney.com

TOM MCCARTNEY: Described by Sonicabuse.com as a “prodigy” and “the future of Blues”,Tom McCartney is a young, up and coming blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll artist. Along with his recently formed backing band he hosts a set comprising originals and covers, acoustic and electric, upbeat and down tempo. You would be forgiven for mistaking him for a much older man - his deep, husky voice tells tales way beyond his age and his music reflects the struggles and pleasures his life has already brought upon him. ​http://tommccartneymusic.com/

​UNCALLED FOUR are all old enough to know better, and yet young enough to play oldschool Rhythm & Blues with a spring in the step and a twinkle in the eye. And that’s R&Bof the broadest church with a twist of blues, a twang of country and a trace of americana.A couple of original tunes jostle side by side with classics from BB King, Ray Charles,Georgie Fame, Bonnie Raitt, Stephen Bruton, Ry Cooder, Waylon Jennings, the RollingStones and many more. Come and see them - we think you’ll like it. ​www.uncalledfour.co.uk/​

YVE BARWOOD: One of our most naturally gifted artists in our county she stands out as one heck of a writer and singer. Love of acoustic, roots music is ingrained into the riffs of her melodic playing. She has played far and wide from the famous Bluebird café in Nashville to the Royal Festival Hall London, Aberdeen Theatre and Oban Cathedral. ​https://www.yvemaryb.com/

Join our facebook community here for updates as acts are arranged in the run-up to the July festivalJoin our facebook group here for a continually updated stream of blues notices and gigs all year roundMany thanks to Steve Dulieu, Jean Perkins and Maisie McDermott for permission to use their photographsAll details contained on this website are subject to changes which are beyond the organisers' control​